Navigating Therapy and Counseling in a Divorce Case

Divorcing individuals often experience grief, anger, anxiety, and confusion. Engaging in therapy or counseling can be a vital tool for processing those emotions in a healthy and constructive way. Therapy is not only for those in deep crisis, but it can also help clients gain clarity, set goals, and make better decisions during the legal process.

When Is Therapy Helpful?

• Managing Emotional Stress: Working through the personal grief of divorce, especially when children are involved.
  
  
• Improving Co-Parenting Communication: Therapists can help divorcing parents establish boundaries and develop better communication skills.
  
  
• Preparing for Major Life Changes: Counseling can help clients adjust to new living situations, parenting schedules, or financial changes.
  
  
• Navigating Conflict: High conflict divorces often benefit from therapeutic support, especially when interactions with an ex-spouse are volatile.

Can Therapy Affect the Legal Case?

Judges generally support therapy for parents and children, especially when it promotes emotional health and stability. However, there are a few legal considerations:

• Privacy: While typically therapy records are protected, in a divorce case, your spouse may be able to subpoena medical records if they believe your mental health affects your ability to parent.
  
  
• Children in Therapy: Courts may approve therapy for children going through divorce. If a Parenting Plan is in place, please speak with your attorney before unilaterally placing a child in therapy.

Therapy Isn’t a Sign of Weakness - It’s a Strategy

Seeking help doesn’t undermine your case; it often strengthens it. Judges appreciate parties who are working to better themselves and reduce conflict, especially in custody matters. Therapy can help you remain calm and focused during a time when emotions often run high.

Finding the Right Support

Look for a licensed professional with experience in divorce or family dynamics. Some therapists specialize in working with children affected by divorce. If co-parenting is a struggle, co-parenting therapy or reunification therapy may be recommended.

Legal Guidance with Compassion

At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we recognize that divorce is more than a legal issue, it's a life change. Our Washington family law attorneys work with clients holistically, supporting both legal goals and personal well-being. If you're considering divorce or struggling through the process, call us for a free telephone consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the path forward with strength and clarity. Call today 425-800-0573 for a free telephone case evaluation.

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In a contested Washington divorce, each party needs information to build a clear and fair picture of the marital estate, parenting capabilities, and income. When informal disclosure isn't enough, the court process offers formal discovery tools, including interrogatories and requests for production, to help you gather the evidence necessary for negotiation or trial.

At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we guide clients through these discovery methods to ensure their rights are protected and the court has the full story.

What Are Interrogatories?

Interrogatories are written questions one party sends to the other. The receiving party is required to answer them, in writing and under oath, within a certain time frame - usually 30 days.

Typical interrogatories in a divorce might include:

• “Describe your current employment, including salary and benefits.”
  
  
• “List all bank accounts you’ve held in the last two years.”
  
  
• “Identify all property (real and personal) you claim is separate.”

These questions help uncover inconsistencies or missing details in the other party’s claims, particularly in high-conflict or high-asset cases.

What Are Requests for Production?

Requests for production are written demands for specific documents. Like interrogatories, they must be answered within a set timeframe.

Examples include:

• Tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements
  
  
• Real estate deeds and mortgage documents
  
  
• Retirement account balances
  
  
• Emails or texts related to custody or finances

This is where you gain access to hard evidence that may support or contradict the other party’s position. In many divorces, this step is critical to determining fair spousal support, dividing property, or preparing for trial.

Why Discovery Matters

Even in amicable cases, emotions can cloud judgment. One party may unintentionally omit assets, or there may be suspicion of hidden income. Discovery helps ensure transparency and gives your attorney the tools to advocate for a fair resolution.

In some cases, if the other party refuses to respond or fails to disclose information, the court may impose sanctions or allow certain facts to be presumed true.

Your Role in the Process

When you receive discovery requests, you’re legally required to respond. It’s important to work closely with your attorney to ensure accuracy and avoid legal complications. Your attorney may also object to any questions or requests that are overly burdensome or irrelevant.

When Is Discovery Most Useful?

Discovery is especially valuable in:

• High-asset divorces
  
  
• Custody disputes with conflicting parenting narratives
  
  
• Situations where financial misconduct is suspected
  
  
• Cases approaching trial without full agreement

Let Us Help You Navigate Discovery

Discovery can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the most effective tools for leveling the playing field in a divorce. At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we know how to use interrogatories and requests for production strategically to protect your interests and move your case forward.

Contact us today for a free telephone case evaluation and learn how we can support you through your Washington divorce 425-800-0573.

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In certain Washington family law cases, a court may order supervised visitation to ensure a child’s safety and well-being. This type of visitation can be emotionally challenging for both parents, but it’s designed to provide structure and protection in high-conflict or potentially unsafe circumstances.

At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we help clients navigate parenting plans that include supervised visitation - whether you are the parent requesting supervision or the one subject to it.

What Is Supervised Visitation?

Supervised visitation means that one parent can only spend time with their child in the presence of an approved third party. This person may be:

• A professional visitation supervisor
  
  
• A trusted friend or family member agreed upon by both parents
  
  
• A social worker or court-appointed observer

These visits typically occur at designated times and locations, and the supervisor monitors interactions to ensure the child’s safety and emotional comfort.

When Is Supervised Visitation Ordered?

Courts don’t order supervised visitation lightly. It’s usually reserved for situations involving:

• Allegations of physical or emotional abuse
  
  
• Substance abuse or addiction issues
  
  
• Mental health concerns that affect parenting ability
  
  
• A history of domestic violence
  
  
• Recent reentry into a child’s life after a long absence

In Washington, RCW 26.09.191 outlines parenting limitations that may include supervised contact when there’s a concern for the child’s welfare.

How Long Does Supervised Visitation Last?

Supervised visitation may be temporary or long-term, depending on the facts of the case. Courts often encourage progress and may allow for gradual changes, such as moving from supervised visits to unsupervised visits once certain conditions are met. These conditions could include completing parenting classes, undergoing substance abuse treatment, or demonstrating consistent positive behavior over time.

How Are Supervised Visits Arranged?

Your parenting plan should include details about:

• Frequency and duration of visits
  
  
• Who the approved supervisor will be
  
  
• Where the visits will take place
  
  
• How transportation and hand-offs will work

Some counties and private companies offer supervised visitation programs or centers, which can provide neutral locations and professional staff.

The Goal Is Reunification and Safety

Courts generally want children to have a relationship with both parents, provided it’s safe. Supervised visitation allows that relationship to grow while maintaining appropriate safeguards. The goal is not to punish a parent but to protect the child and work toward a healthier dynamic.

Legal Support for Parenting Plan Modifications

Whether you're seeking supervised visitation or want to request a change to existing terms, it's crucial to have experienced legal guidance. At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we represent parents throughout Washington State in crafting and modifying parenting plans to fit their family’s needs.

We offer free telephone case evaluations - 425-800-0582. Contact us to discuss your parenting plan concerns and take the next step toward a secure and balanced future for your child.

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